Hi. I've done a search on the JC website for salad dressing alternatives and I'm still in a search for some alternatives. I've never been a fan of the store-bought dressings (or the JC dressings). I'm finding that I have been missing out on my veggies and a fat serving, so I would like some alternatives that I could possibly make for myself. I am totally not kitchen savvy so I don't really know what to combine to make a vinagrette or a fruity (lemon or lime-based) dressing. Do you have any suggestions? I am on-the-go a lot and would like something that can be taken with me (I have a freezer pack in my salad container with a separate area for the dressing).

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Have a great weekend.

I'm not a fan of bottled dressings either, but found two amazing dressings at Trader Joe's. One is low fat parmesan ranch, the other is low fat cilantro. Each is only 45 calories for two tablespoons!! So it's enough dressing for a huge salad. Love, love, love them.

Lisa

I make my own Greek Dressing. It's not too hard. I use a food processor but you can just slice the items up small.

2 Shallots (cut or chopped very small)
2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
Oregano
Kosher Salt
Hot Sauce
Pepper
Red Wine Vinegar (about 3/4 of a cup)

Mix all the items together, if you can put it in a blender or a food processor all the better.
Let item sit and marinate for about 30 minutes before adding Olive Oil.

Add Olive Oil to taste or based upon your desired calorie level. Usually about 1/4 of a cup.

This is about 60 calories for a 1 ounce or 2 T serving.

KEY -- squirt 1/4 of a lemon over the top of the salad before you dress it.

DELICIOUS!

Thank you so much for your replies. I'll have to try both (I may not be able to find Trader Joe's brand here in CO but I will try -- the cilantro dressing sounds fabulous). I have one of those magic bullets so I can make a small serving of the dressing Carrie suggested.

Thanks!

Adding some spicy salsa to fat-free sour cream or an allowable Ranch dressing makes a great southwestern style dressing.

That sounds great. Especially for the chili con carne, or the new replacement, as a side-dish. Thank you!

I just mix olive oil and balsamic. It's my favourite Also, if you like to mix it up a bit and can find some, pumpkin seed oil is very tasty.

I sometimes use olive oil, vinegar, and a little salt for taste. It's nice because it's light, tasty, and not all that bad for you if you use extra virgin olive oil, and little to no salt at all. You could always put some Jenny meals over salad too -- that's a great way to spice things up a bit! And then you can save your fat serving for something else.

I have been making my own dressing for quite some time

4 ounces olive oil
1 ounce balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 - 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
pepper & salt. (I don't usually put in the salt) to taste.

it's even better if you can put it in the food processor, it makes it creamier.

I don't remember what the exchanges were for it, it's in the ask the dietician folder.

Thanks for the ideas, they sound really great! I'm going to have to try them out this weekend.

Don't buy Newmans balsamic --- OMG it is 470 sodium in 2TBSP. yikes!

what is yummy on salad or marinade for veggi's to roast: olive oil, lime juice, cumin, cayenne